Jeremy Lin had 22 points and eight assists in his return to New York, leading the Rockets to a 109-96 victory Monday that ended the Knicks' 10-game home winning streak to open the season.

Cheered then jeered, and later floored by Tyson Chandler's flagrant foul, Lin added another masterpiece to the ones he put together last season during the height of his memorable run. No longer the fan favorite he was when wearing the home uniform, Lin got a mixed reception when he left the game with 2:25 remaining and the Rockets leading by 16.

"It was a lot of fun playing out there, and I think our team, we took a step in the right direction," the Palo Alto High alum said. "And for me, it was great to be back, and it was a lot of fun to play on that court again."

James Harden had 28 points and 10 rebounds for the Rockets, who blew out the Knicks for the second time this season. The Rockets have won the past seven meetings, including a 131-103 rout in Houston on Nov. 23.

Rookie Chris Copeland scored a personal-high 29 points for the Knicks, who played without leading scorer Carmelo Anthony and lost for the first time in five games. They fell to 18-6, matching their record late last season under Mike Woodson.

Woodson's team decided not to match Houston's contract offer to Lin, and nobody could argue when Raymond Felton, Jason Kidd and Pablo Prigioni led the Knicks to the best record in the Eastern Conference with a team that led the NBA in fewest turnovers.

Lin saw some fans wearing his old jersey, but said he didn't let his mind drift back to last season during the game.

"I've moved on, they've moved on," he said. "We have good memories, but at the same time, we're all in a different place now."

Lin scored twice his average in what he called an up-and-down season.

"I hope this is the start of a nice run for him, because he works really hard," Houston head coach Kevin McHale said. "He's a great kid. He deserves it."